HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17123, 26 October 1917, Page 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, October 25. liie House met at 2.3b. OFFICERS' KIT. Replying to Mr Isitt, the Minister of Keiencb said the allowance of £25 to officers for the purpose of purchasing a kit was ample. Anything more would only encourage downright extravagance. GRANTS TO SCHOOL COMMITTEES. The Minister of Education, in replyto Mr Witty, said the question of increased grants to school commfctees would be considered at the first meet, ing of the Oabinet. A PRIVILEGE CURTAILED. Replying to Dr. Newman, the Minister of Defence said the Cabinet had decided for the future the next of kin would not be allowed alongside transports, before their departure. The barrier on the whiff would be a barrier to everybody, but the next of kin would probably be allowed to see the men at the rail-way station. HOME SERVICE. Replying to Mr Wilkinson, Sir Jas. Allen said the men classed -as fit only for Home Service were'only retained in camp if they volunteered for that work. If retained against their will that was contrary to instructions. THE STANDARD FOR RECRUITS. Reply to Dr.'Newman, the Minister of Defence said the standard for recruits had not been lowered. Some time ago Britain had lowered the standard for the Imperial Army, and New Zealand followed suit, but it was found inadvisable to adopt the British.standard, and we went back to our standard. Dr. Newman : Have you seen some of the recent recruits? Mr Wilf ord : I know' one who is only 4 foot 7 inches, and does not weigh five stone. ' Ho is a jockey boy. THE MAIN BODY. Sir Jas. Allen read a cable from Col. Chaytor, in which, he said that' all ranks under nig command had accepted the disappointment at the cancellation of the promised furlough to New Zealand in the finest spirit, but trusted that an improvement in circumstances would soon permit of a revision of the decision. Sir Jas. Allen said he desired to make it clear that,the promised leave to Main Body men to return to New Zealand was not cancelled by the wish of the New Zealand Government, but at the request of the Imperial authorities. "THE AMERICAN MEAT TRUST. Mr Payne resumed the debate on the i report of the committee .on the operations of the American Meat Trust. He contended that the only sure way of combating the operatons of the Trust Was for the State to get into direct touch with the consumers in Britain. There was too much " rake off" between the producers here and the consumers in England, and some 'are making undue profits. l

Mr Field (Otakij urged* that we should have closer co-operation between the British and overseas Government in the handling of meat. He did not think this would raise international difficulties, but if the capitalists of America did have sufficient power to make trouble through tha American Government, we had got to face the position and see it through. The shipping problem would also have to be faced by the Government, even if it went the length of a- State service.

Mr Anstey said he did not altogpther blame them, but if anyone in New Zealand was associated with J. 0. Armour and Co., the Bank of New Zealand was tlie greatest sinner'" of the ?ot, as the finance of the Meat Trust was guaranteed through the Bank

Mr Field (Nelson) said this report was the first gun in a great struggle with the big American companies. The debate was continued by Messrs Talbot, Poole, Webb, and Lee.

The report was adopted and the Souse rose at 5.30.